Path of Exile 2 Beginner's Guide

Exiles, both old and new, welcome to your Path of Exile 2 beginners guide—a resource designed to light your way through Wraeclast’s darkest corners. In this guide, we’ll talk about the sequel to the most popular ARPG of the last decade and go over all of the features and additions to the new game. So, whether you’ve never played the first game or you’re just curious about what’s changed since the first installment, this guide will explain everything!

Since the release in early access, there have been two major updates, and we've updated this beginner's guide to reflect the global changes that happened to the core gameplay of the game.

Besides learning about how to start PoE 2 and things like that, you should know that Skycoach offers excellent boosting services for those gamers who have limited free time or are just stuck at some point in progression. Specifically, if you're new to games like this, you should get PoE 2 Powerleveling Boost. Check out the Skycoach.gg for more information!

Read our other PoE 2 guides:

• Best Classes Tier List
• Leveling Guide
• Warrior Guide
• Ranger Guide
• Monk Guide
• Witch Guide
• Sorceress Guide
• Mercenary Guide
• Best Builds
• Trading Guide
• Divine Orb Farming Guide

 

 

What is Path of Exile 2?

We’ll begin our Path of Exile 2 starter guide by explaining what the game is about. PoE 2 is an eagerly awaited continuation of the original dark fantasy action RPG that immerses players in the shadowed, ruthless world of Wraeclast. Building on the foundation of Path of Exile, this sequel retains the intense action RPG mechanics that fans loved while adding an all-new six-act campaign (still being worked on in early access) and significant updates to core systems. There used to be plans to have the shared engame content for both games and players would choose to get there via the original PoE 1 acts or the new PoE 2 acts. Since those plans were announced with the PoE 2 itself, a lot has changed and the sequel has grown into something vastly more complex than was anticipated, so that idea of a shared endgame is no longer possible. The only thing that's shareable is some of the cosmetics you bought in PoE 1, as well as additional inventory tabs. Also, you don't have to make a new account to play PoE 2.

PoE 2 also brings in several major gameplay improvements to enhance accessibility and depth. Among these updates, the new skill gem system removes the need for traditional item linking, allowing players to six-link each skill independently and making it easier to customize builds.

For character progression, a dual-specialization system enables unique weapon- or skill-type-focused paths, allowing players more flexibility as they swap combat styles. Additionally, the sequel introduces twelve classes (each with three unique ascendancies) and refined mechanics for crowd control effects like stuns and freezes, as well as a Spirit Reservation system to support minions and auras. Enhanced visuals, smoother animations, and refined mechanics bring Wraeclast’s gritty atmosphere to life like never before.

There’s no Path of Exile 2 tutorial in the game. You’ll be kind of thrown into Wraeclast with very minimal explanation of what you should do, which is why it’s important to understand what this game is about.

What Makes Path of Exile Games Different from Other ARPGs?

The original Path of Exile emerged from the passion of developers who were dedicated fans of Diablo II, yearning for a true successor that never materialized. 

This passion for ARPG games has helped a small team of indie developers with no prior experience in video game development create a game that has become the second most recognizable title in its genre. PoE’s player retention is a cause of jealousy from other live service games. But the popularity and fame are well deserved. BLOG20

At its core, Path of Exile serves as a spiritual successor to Diablo II, enhancing the traditional ARPG formula with features that significantly elevate the gameplay experience. It has become widely recognized for its depth, complexity, and the sheer breadth of character customization, setting a new standard that many subsequent games have struggled to match.

Key features that distinguish Path of Exile include:

• The Skill Gem System: This revolutionary approach allows players to socket active and support skill gems into their gear, providing unmatched customization for abilities. Unlike typical skill systems in newer ARPGs, where skills are often limited and predefined, Path of Exile empowers players to mix and match gems, crafting unique builds that reflect their individual playstyles. Path of Exile 2 enhances this feature further, offering the ability to six-link skills independently, greatly expanding creative potential.

• Expansive Passive Skill Tree: The massive passive skill tree offers thousands of nodes, providing players the freedom to specialize their characters in ways that cater to various strategies and tactics. This depth allows for intricate build designs that encourage experimentation and creativity, making each player's journey unique and deeply personal.
• Leagues and Seasonal Content: With regular leagues introducing fresh mechanics, items, and challenges, Path of Exile keeps its player base engaged and excited. Each league fosters a sense of urgency and competition, as players strive to complete new challenges and explore innovative gameplay elements. This continual evolution has created a vibrant community and an ever-changing game landscape, setting Path of Exile apart from many newer titles that often lack such dynamic content.
• Player-Driven Economy: The game's barter-based economy, centered on various currency items instead of gold, emphasizes trading and player interaction. This design not only encourages a thriving in-game marketplace but also adds layers of strategy to item acquisition and value assessment, making the economy an integral part of the gameplay experience.

Because of these additions, original PoE has managed to attract lots of gamers and ARPG fans who were fed up with the crap that was going on with their other favorite game. And the following leagues made sure that it’s always exciting to come back and play through PoE again every now and again. 

As a result, it has influenced numerous titles that followed, making it a benchmark for ARPG design. With PoE 2, the developers are not only upgrading the visual fidelity of the game. PoE has always been about addicting gameplay, so the most notable and juicy changes are made to the gameplay systems, and that’s what we’re going to focus on next.

Character Classes and Progression

The first major part of the PoE 2 new player guide is understanding the class system. The game features a total of twelve base classes, each representing various attribute combinations, with every single or hybrid attribute pairing having two corresponding classes. This structure allows for a diverse range of playstyles while enabling players to freely mix skills from different classes. Unlike the first game, the Scion will not be available as a playable character in Path of Exile 2.

In Path of Exile 2, character classes are aligned with specific attributes, similar to the original game. However, a unique aspect of the game is that any class can utilize any skill or weapon type, allowing for diverse playstyles and builds. This flexibility enables players to experiment and create combinations that suit their preferences, making each character truly unique. The latest update also introduced new defensive mechanics tied to attributes: Dexterity classes now benefit from Deflect, which reduces incoming damage from any type of hit, while Strength and Intelligence classes received improvements to block, parry, armour, and elemental scaling.

Class and Attribute Alignment

The twelve classes in Path of Exile 2 are aligned with the core attributes of Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence:

• Strength: Classes like the Marauder and Warrior excel in melee combat, using axes and heavy weapons. They typically have higher health and physical damage capabilities.
• Dexterity: The Ranger and Huntress are agile and focused on ranged attacks, utilizing bows and spears. They possess higher critical strike chances and evasion.
• Intelligence: Classes such as the Witch and Sorceress focus on spellcasting and elemental damage, commanding minions or unleashing powerful spells.
• Hybrid Classes: The game features combinations of these attributes, such as the Duelist (Strength/Dexterity), Assassin (Intelligence/Dexterity), and Templar (Strength/Intelligence), which allows for a wide range of skills and playstyles.

All classes share a unified passive skill tree, a hallmark of the Path of Exile series. This system allows players to allocate passive skill points to enhance their character's abilities. As players progress, they can unlock various nodes that grant benefits such as increased damage, defense, or utility. The tree is expansive and interconnected, enabling players to customize their characters significantly, regardless of their chosen class.

In Path of Exile 2, the Dual Specialization system further enhances this feature by allowing players to switch between two different passive skill tree setups based on their weapon choices, providing even greater flexibility in character development​.

Ascendancies and Passive Skill Tree

Each base class has access to three Ascendancy classes, resulting in a total of 36 unique Ascendancies. Unlike in the first game, Ascendancy classes will not be unlocked through labyrinths but will instead be available through new means during the campaign in Acts 2, 3, and 4. Some classes have seen changes; for instance, the Elementalist now belongs to the Sorceress class. BLOG20

The Passive Skill Tree has undergone a significant redesign with the introduction of a Dual Specialization system, allowing players to maintain two separate setups that dynamically update when weapon swapping. This feature includes shapeshift forms with their own specialization options. The weapon swapping now also happens much faster, which makes it easier to switch on the fly and use different skills and support gems along with the passive skills.

Notably, masteries are absent from the new skill tree, but passive skills are more plentiful than in the original game, with many passives offering generic modifiers rather than being weapon-specific. Increased life nodes have been removed from the passive skill tree, offering more diverse build options. There are now many more unique passives that were added, replacing nodes that increased attributes. To make this work, the attribute requirements for gear and skills have been reduced across the board by 25%.

Players can now choose which attribute points they want from minor attribute nodes, and they can change them without needing to respec. Additionally, the starting areas of the passive skill tree will vary depending on the chosen class, providing tailored nodes for each class type. For example, the Sorceress will have more nodes aligned with her skills, while the Witch will encounter nodes better suited to her abilities.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

With this many classes and a massive skill tree, you can already imagine the amount of customization you can have. But this is hardly the beginning. The PoE 2 brings changes to other core systems as well. 

It would be fair to admit that if you’re someone who hasn’t played the first game, you wouldn’t be able to fully appreciate the quality-of-life improvements. Not to say that the first PoE had any major flaws, it’s more about making things better aligned with each other. Anyway, let’s go over these massive improvements.

Skill Gem System

The new skill gem system in Path of Exile 2 marks a dramatic shift from the traditional mechanics established in the original game. In this revamped system, gem sockets are eliminated from gear entirely, allowing players to slot gems directly into their characters instead. To put it simply, any skill gem that you can bind to a button has slots for support gems that you can use to change how the skills work.

This change not only departs from the existing lore but also introduces a new way of interacting with skills and support gems. As a result, players are poised to experience significant alterations in how they outfit their characters and acquire valuable loot.

In Path of Exile 1, skill and support gems are socketed into gear, with the number, color, and linking of sockets varying by item type. This system, while deeply integrated into the gameplay, often led to challenges when upgrading gear, creating a frustrating experience for players. However, with the introduction of Path of Exile 2, many of these mechanics are being overhauled for the better.

Initially discussed in 2019, the first iteration of the overhaul retained the idea of sockets in gear but established fixed numbers and colors for specific gear types. For instance, body armor would consistently have four sockets designated for a specific attribute. Chromatic orbs would still modify these colors, but support gems would no longer link to gear; instead, they would link directly within skill gems. This meant that players would seek coveted six-linked skill gems, significantly changing the gameplay dynamics.

Fast forward nearly four years since the first announcement, and we now understand that Path of Exile 2 does not feature sockets in gear at all. Instead, characters begin with a fixed number of skill sockets and can add support gems through a distinct gem management screen. Players start with nine skill sockets, with opportunities to unlock more as they progress, making gem transfers and modifications more streamlined. Besides, you won't even need more than 9 active skills. In fact, you'll probably end up only having around 4-5 skills for your build.

 

One notable change is the way skill gems are acquired. They now drop as uncut gems, allowing players to select from any skill gem available within a particular tier. This tiered system will function similarly to the gem quest reward system in the original game, with higher-tier gems being found in more challenging areas.

Support gems are undergoing their own transformation. The old restriction of only being able to use one copy of each support gem per character has been removed, so players can now slot multiple copies across different skills. This opens the door to more skill combos and helps utility skills scale into endgame. Support gems also can be cut from uncut support gems, so you have the option to choose which support gem you want.

Progression has been reworked with added tiers. Many supports now upgrade as you move through the campaign. For example, Double Barrel starts by adding a second shot at the cost of reload speed, but higher tiers reduce the penalty and eventually unlock a new mechanic, like reloading on a heavy stun. Other supports, such as Rapid Casting, evolve into entirely new effects at Tier 3, encouraging diverse builds rather than static upgrades.

Moreover, Path of Exile 2 introduces a new category of gem known as meta gems, which allow players to socket skill gems into them. An example of this is the "Cast on Shock" meta gem, which triggers any socketed skill gem upon shocking an enemy, introducing exciting new gameplay mechanics.

The aesthetic of the gems is also changing, reflecting a new direction that aligns with the game’s lore. This evolution poses intriguing questions about the implications of slotting gems directly into characters and how it ties into the game's narrative, particularly considering the historical consequences of such actions in the Path of Exile universe.

Passive Skill Tree

First of all, it's an iconic Path of Exile feature that makes every gamer in the world go "WOW!" The Passive Skill Tree in Path of Exile 2 introduces several significant enhancements compared to its predecessor, Path of Exile 1. One of the most notable changes is the integration of weapon skill tree passives, which allow players to select specific weapon sets for their abilities. This feature enables abilities to automatically swap to the appropriate weapon set, enhancing gameplay versatility. For example, a Firestorm skill could utilize a staff that boosts fire abilities, while a spark skill might benefit from another weapon set focused on shock effectiveness.

As players progress through the campaign, they will collect Skill Books that grant passive skill points specific to weapon loadouts. This allows for specialized builds tailored to specific scenarios, deviating from a one-size-fits-all approach.

Another key change is the starting location on the passive skill tree. In Path of Exile 1, each class began at a fixed point based on its attributes and archetype. In Path of Exile 2, all classes will start in the middle of the tree, with their progression influenced by attribute alignment. The removal of the Scion class streamlines this process, introducing two new classes for each attribute alignment and creating six ascendancy options for every starting point.

The middle section of the tree has been redesigned to improve balance by eliminating direct routes that previously allowed classes to reach distant nodes easily.

Additionally, Path of Exile 2 features no life nodes on the passive skill tree. This design choice allows for better balancing of character life based on gear choices rather than passive nodes, encouraging specialization in defensive mechanics such as armor, evasion, and spell suppression.

The mastery system is also absent, temporarily. This shift means that niche mechanics are being integrated into abilities themselves rather than being locked behind specific passive areas, allowing for more expressive builds. More than 100 new notables were introduced in The Third Edict, many themed around Ascendancies (such as Archon nodes for Sorceress or unarmed bonuses for Monk).

Another significant update is the introduction of stat-selectable travel nodes, allowing players to choose between boosting their strength, dexterity, or intelligence. This flexibility simplifies the leveling process, especially since gem socket colors have been removed. BLOG20

Although there are now fewer of those overall.

Finally, each class's starting location on the tree will adapt based on its archetype, providing relevant stats. For instance, while both the Witch and Sorceress may begin at a northern position on the tree, their nodes will differ—focusing on elemental damage for the Sorceress and chaos damage for the Witch. This adjustment addresses past issues where players faced decision paralysis when selecting nodes that didn't align with their builds.

These changes signify a substantial evolution of the passive skill tree from Path of Exile 1 to Path of Exile 2, fostering more varied and specialized gameplay.

Gear, Currency, and Crafting

In Path of Exile, gear progression is foundational to your character's power and success. Every piece of gear, from weapons to armor and accessories, has its own set of stats, affixes, and qualities that can greatly impact gameplay. Players rely on finding, upgrading, and even crafting gear to build up their characters effectively. Key to this process are the various currency items, each with unique properties used to alter, upgrade, and customize equipment.

Currency in Path of Exile isn’t just a form of trading but is also essential for crafting, as each currency item has a specific effect on gear. For instance, some currency can add or change affixes, while others can increase an item’s quality or rarity. In Path of Exile 2, these currency systems are expected to remain central, but new gear mechanics may offer additional flexibility.

In Path of Exile 2, these systems remain central, but gold has been introduced as a universal currency. Gold is now used for vendor trades, crafting fees, and as a baseline for low-value player trades, replacing the clunky barter-only system of PoE 1.

Trading has also been streamlined with the Merchant’s Tab, where players can list items for sale even while offline. Other players can instantly purchase these listings using gold or currency items, eliminating trade spam and third-party tools.

PoE 2 introduces overhauled item types, including unique items that offer more situational and specialized power rather than flat damage boosts. These new item dynamics suggest a more nuanced crafting system, where players will need to weigh their options more carefully to maximize the potential of each piece of gear.

Crafting itself will likely see refinements to align with the fresh approach in PoE 2. While details on the exact crafting updates are still limited, the transcript hints that new items and expanded affix types could shift how players interact with crafting, making it both more complex and rewarding. This layered approach to gear progression and crafting could deepen the economic strategies within the game, as players adapt to a more intricate system of item upgrades and enhancements. Both newcomers and veterans will find a rewarding challenge in navigating the expanded opportunities for customization in Path of Exile 2.

Campaign Structure and World Design

The campaign in early access now consists of four acts followed by three interludes that carry you to level 65, where the Endgame begins. This is a major change from the original plan, which would have had players repeat Acts 1–3 in a Cruel difficulty cycle. Cruel has been removed, and the campaign is now fully linear and non-repetitive.

Act 4 is the newest addition, continuing the story after Act 3. You work alongside Doryani in search of the weapon known as the Instrument of the Third Edict, traveling across the Ngamakanui archipelago. The act is completely non-linear, letting you explore eight Karui islands in any order, each with its own bosses and environments. This structure makes it feel very different from previous acts and keeps progression fresh.

Across the campaign, players encounter around 100 bosses, with some fights optional rather than mandatory. Developers have put significant focus on quality, addressing past criticisms of PoE 1’s later acts that relied heavily on reused maps and assets. Bosses are more engaging, with mechanics that demand positioning, timing, and awareness. When you die to a boss, it fully heals, a mechanic that reinforces skillful play and echoes Souls-like design.

The campaign is also dynamic. Leagues now introduce changes to the campaign world, with layouts, enemy types, and sometimes quest paths shifting between seasons. This makes replaying the story less repetitive, even for experienced players who go through it multiple times.

World Design

The world design of Path of Exile 2 builds upon the foundations of its predecessor while incorporating significant improvements. The developers are committed to maintaining a high level of polish and design integrity throughout the game, ensuring that players encounter fresh and engaging environments. This includes diverse areas that align with the total number of bosses, which will enhance the overall experience.

One of the key highlights is the randomization aspect of the world design. With each league, players can expect changes to the campaign layout, creating unique challenges and interactions each time they engage with the game. This dynamic approach is intended to keep the experience fresh and engaging, particularly for those who may have found the repetitive nature of the original game's campaign stale after numerous playthroughs.

In terms of skill gem mechanics, Path of Exile 2 introduces a new system that shifts away from the traditional leveling approach. Instead of gems leveling up with player experience, players will need to find uncut gems throughout the game, allowing for strategic choices in either acquiring new skills or upgrading existing ones. This adds depth to character progression and enhances the overall user experience.

The Early Game Experience & Tips

Your first hours in the game will be super difficult. A lot of gamers are already calling PoE 2 the Dark Souls of ARPGs, and there's a reason for that. When your character comes to their senses on the shore of The Riverbank in Act 1, they won't have access to too many skills or any good gear that gives you any kind of protection. If you saw those dynamic class gameplay videos where your chosen character blows up enemies in a cool way, none of that will be possible for you to do when you're working through the starting quests. Because of that, it will help you a lot if you keep in mind these tips fort he  early game:

1. Try to dodge out of all enemy attacks. In the first hour your character will die just from a few regular monster attacks. It's best to work up a habit of dodging, even if it feels slow.
2. Find your class' combo. At the start of the game, you'll find one or two Uncut Skill Gems and about 3 to 4 level 1 skills to pick from. Try to figure out that initial combo of skills (usually two that work well together) and use them to clear enemy packs and stay alive. Example - Quarterstaff's Killing Palm + Falling Thunder.
3. Don't waste Scrolls of Wisdom on identifying gear that you won't equip in the first place. It might be tempting to identify a piece of gear just to sell it, but these scrolls are way too rare at the start of the game to waste them.
4. Keep your distance from the first bosses when fighting them. Use a ranged weapon, even if it's not your primary. This will help you see any telegraphed attacks and get out of the way on time. These attacks will either insta-kill you or leave you with 5% of your health just so you can die from any whiff of air in the next second.
5. Get the Support Gem (like Martial Tempo) that increases the attack speed before anything else. Your basic attacks are slow, your movement speed is slow, and your dodges are slow. At least increase your attack speed as soon as possible. It's going to make a huge difference.

Lastly, you're not going to be getting any Portal Scrolls anytime soon, so you better watch your inventory because the only way for you to come back to town to sell stuff is by using a Waypoint, and those are pretty rare. Usually, there's one of them per location in Act 1.

Preparing for Endgame

Path of Exile 2 aims to address one of the most common criticisms of its predecessor—the lack of a well-developed endgame—by focusing on delivering a robust suite of activities from the outset. While details remain somewhat sparse, it's confirmed that the game will feature multiple endgame activities, including the return of mapping and the ritual mechanic.

Developers have indicated that although the initial endgame content may not match the extensive breadth of Path of Exile 1, they are dedicated to ensuring a strong launch experience. The team is exploring ways to integrate familiar mechanics from past leagues while also potentially redesigning them to fit within the new game context.

As players progress through the endgame, campaign bosses will also make a return, but with new mechanics and abilities activated at specific health thresholds. This design aims to provide a fresh take on familiar encounters, ensuring that even returning players face new challenges.

Overall, Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a more dynamic and polished experience, with its campaign structure, world design, and endgame mechanics collectively working to provide players with a rich and engaging gameplay journey from the very beginning.

Path of Exile 2 Tips and Tricks

We’ve prepared a list of Path of Exile 2 tips and tricks you should keep in mind when playing this game based on the information about the game that’s available prior its Early Access release. Once the game is out, we’ll have a more substantial list. But for now:

1. Understanding the New Skill Gem System: The revamped skill gem system allows players to slot skills directly into their characters rather than gear. This change streamlines the process of managing skills and support gems, enabling easier customization. Players should focus on experimenting with different skill combinations and support gems to maximize their character's potential.
2. Take Advantage of Dual Specialization: With the introduction of the dual-specialization system, players can create two distinct setups based on their weapon choices. This flexibility allows for experimentation with different playstyles, making it essential to explore various combinations of passive skills and attributes as players progress through the game.
3. Embrace the Massive Passive Skill Tree: The expansive passive skill tree offers thousands of nodes for specialization. Players should plan their build carefully, considering how different nodes interact and complement each other. This approach encourages creativity and allows for unique character designs tailored to personal playstyles.
4. Engage with Leagues and Seasonal Content: Participating in leagues and seasonal events introduces fresh mechanics, challenges, and items that keep the gameplay exciting. Players should stay engaged with new content, as these limited-time features can significantly enhance their experience and provide unique rewards.
5. Experiment with New Classes and Ascendancies: With twelve new classes and multiple ascendancies available in Path of Exile 2, players have a wide range of options for character development. Trying out different classes and understanding their unique abilities can lead to discovering powerful combinations and strategies that suit individual playstyles.

These tips can help players navigate the complexities of Path of Exile 2, enhancing their gameplay experience and encouraging exploration within the game's intricate systems.

Conclusion

In this Path of Exile 2 beginner guide 2024, we introduced you to the game and talked about what makes it some damn good. This is a classic ARPG if you ever played one, but with modern systems, graphics, and dynamic gameplay. Thanks to the modernized controls that now include a roll that can be used at any time with no cooldowns as well as new classes, gems, skills, and weapon types, you get the most adrenaline-packed Diablo successor that will keep you playing until the endgame.

If you know anything about PoE its that its endgame will continue to evolve through Leagues, adding new insane mechanics with each new iteration. We’re all huge fans of this genre of games, and we all know that Path of Exile 2 is going to be a great success. So, remember this guide the next time you’ll be playing the game. Good luck out there, Exiles!

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